Common Covers ROLLING OUT, Talks "Selma" & Ferguson
In a surprisingly candid cover story for ROLLING OUT, rapper Common, who landed a role in the season's most-buzzed about film, SELMA, opens up about the evolution of hip-hop ("Hip-hop evolves and constantly grows. And, it’s gonna change"), the need for GOD in schools (“I would like to see spirituality valued more") and how he feels about being a Black man in America ("Getting to know different figures...just gives me more information on who I am and allows me to know that we can accomplish anything").
Some of his views may shock and motivate you to action. Here are the highlights:
On hip hop's evolution:
“Hip-hop evolves and constantly grows. And, it’s gonna change. It’s moving where the youth are moving. The youth lead hip-hop in many ways, but then again — you still have artists like myself that have been around in hip-hop a long time, putting out fresh music and new sounds.
On how he remains current in Hip Hop:
"I think I provide a different aspect. I did an album called Nobody’s Smiling and I connected with artists like Lil Herb from Chicago and an artist named Dreezy. I brought some of the younger artists who had their perspective and I offered a different perspective. But, I don’t overlook the fact that I was them at one point. Meaning, I come from the same place that they come from. I’m not the person or the artist that’s gonna sit there and judge what they do. I just write from a perspective of always giving a voice to the people in what I do.”
On accepting a role in SELMA and working with Ava DuVernay:
“I’m more than honored to be a part of this. This is one of my most fulfilling moments in my life as an artist, actor and as a human being. Dr. King and the struggle is something that I’m very much connected to. And … when we do art like this, it’s an extension of what they did. We’re keeping that dream going.
“I come from the South Side of Chicago. It [has] a rich history of Black culture. [Chicago] was discovered by a Black man. The more I learn my history, the more I have love for myself, love for my community and I love others. It’s not like you can’t love your people, your community and love others, too.”
On being a Black Man In America:
"Getting to know different figures, whether it’s Nat Turner, whether it’s Malcolm X, whether it’s Dr. King or Harriet Tubman — it just gives me more information on who I am and allows me to know that we can accomplish anything.
And [it’s important] to know the lineage that I come from. My father used to always say that to me: ‘Your bloodline is strong.’ So I’m part of the bloodline and to be able to know that gives me fuel for when things are difficult. So I’m just grateful to be a Black man in America today.”
On SELMA and Ferguson......and CHANGE
"We’ve come a long way, we’ve got a long way to go. As far as the change in this country and some of the racial prejudices that exist [and] some of the abuse of power; we obviously feel like when you look at some of the scenes in Selma, it’s not too far a picture from Ferguson, Missouri.
That’s one [incident] specifically — you can go directly to that and say that you know that a young man being killed at the hands of an officer or someone in authority — like the state trooper that shot Jimmie Lee Jackson or the policeman that shot Michael Brown. It’s not that big of a difference [between the] situations — this is 50 years later and we’re still fighting for justice. And the people of Ferguson are doing it in a nonviolent way, which is very important. And very important that we figure out what we need. And I think Selma is so relevant because it’s art. It’s a film. But it also can effect change and open the eyes of some teenager that’s like ‘Man, they did all that. And I can be a part of something that’s strong and have a value to my life that would mean something beyond my Instagram or beyond just my Twitter followers."
His thoughts on Hip Hops response AND non-responsive to current political issues:
“Music [offers] different forms of expression. Everybody has their interpretation of what music is fresh to them and they have their taste in what they’re gonna listen to. I think hip-hop specifically and music in general, it allows the artists to express themselves. If somebody wants to do the [Bobby Shmurda], then that’s what they should do. It’s hard for me to tell somebody ‘You should rap like this or do a song like this.’ I think the important thing to acknowledge is that it’s not only that music. It’s also music that offers other things. We got a song at the end of Selma called ‘Glory,’ myself and John Legend, and it’s about this film and what took place in Selma but also what’s going on now. And it’s about the fight — and winning the fight.
The fight isn’t a race thing.The fight is overcoming injustice and letting love prevail and fighting for peace. So music does exist like that. Other artists have a lot to say. That’s why I don’t focus on one aspect. People are going to be who they are. [Just] present the whole spectrum.”
On being honest with fans, and sharing his flaws:
"One thing my father did that I really loved was my father always let me know his flaws. He never acted as the perfect human being,” Common explains. “I think it’s important for me, if I’m going to get the younger generation to understand, then I also have to present the truth. I’m not a perfect human being, but I also have to present what I know to be integrity in music, to be creative — music that has substance. I gotta present the truth. To me, with hip-hop, if you stay in tune with the people and really connected with the people, you’ll really be able to align yourself with what’s going on in hip-hop. If I do that, I can always offer some type of leadership. Sometimes leadership is listening. It doesn’t always mean that I got the answers. Some of it is just … showing you care because I don’t have all the answers. But I will offer everything I do have.”
On what society is missing:
“I would like to see spirituality valued more,” he says. “I would like to see schools not be afraid to talk about God. I would like to see the creator be put more into the families and communities in whatever way we can get spirituality there. I’m a believer that if you believe in a higher power and you work to act toward that, it will direct your life in a right direction. You will have morals and values to live by and a compass, as they say. And a conscience about what you’re doing. Because if you’re really believing in a higher power, you’ll know that higher power is in each and every individual.”
Well said SELMA is in Thetares NOW!
AND NOW THE FASHIONS!
CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS!
2015 Golden Globe Awards: The Show, The Winners
Hollywood's hottest stars flocked to the Beverly Hilton Hotel this evening (January 11) for the marvelous 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards.
Celebrating the best and brightest in television and film, big names including Eddie Redmayne, Michael Keaton, Julianne Moore and Amy Adams went home with golden trophies, while Amy Poehler and Tina Fey worked their magic on the crowd as the night's incredible hosts.
Check out the complete list of 2015 Golden Globe winners below.
Best motion picture, drama
WINNER “Boyhood”
“Foxcatcher”
“The Imitation Game”
“Selma”
“The Theory of Everything”
Best Actress in a TV series, drama
Claire Danes, "Homeland"
Viola Davis, "How to Get Away With Murder"
Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"
WINNER Ruth Wilson, "The Affair"
Robin Wright, "House of Cards"
Best TV Series, Comedy
"Girls"
"Jane the Virgin"
"Orange Is the New Black"
"Silicon Valley"
WINNER "Transparent"
Best Original Song – Motion Picture
Big Eyes, "Big Eyes," Lana Del Rey
WINNER Glory, "Selma," John Legend and Common
Mercy Is, "Noah," Patty Smith and Lenny K
Opportunity, "Annie"
Yellow Flicker Beat, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I," Lorde
Best Original Score – Motion Picture
"
Imitation Game
"
WINNER "The Theory of Everything"
"
Gone Girl"
"
Birdman
"
"Interstellar"
Best Supporting Actress in a series, mini-series, or TV movie
Uzo Aduba, "Orange is the New Black"
Kathy Bates, "American Horror Story"
WINNER Joanne Froggatt, "Downton Abbey"
Allison Janney, "Mom"
Michelle Monaghan, "True Detective"
Best TV movie or mini-series
WINNER “Fargo”
“The Missing”
“The Normal Heart”
“Olive Kitteridge”
“True Detective”
Best Actress in a TV Series, Comedy
Lena Dunham, "Girls"
Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep"
WINNER Gina Rodriguez, "Jane the Virgin"
Taylor Schilling, "Orange is the New Black"
Best Screenplay – motion picture
Wes Anderson, "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Gillian Flynn, "Gone Girl"
WINNER Alejandro González Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr., "Birdman"
Richard Linklater, "Boyhood"
Graham Moore, "The Imitation Game"
Best Supporting Actor in a series, mini-series or TV movie
WINNER Matt Bomer, "The Normal Heart"
Alan Cumming, "The Good Wife"
Colin Hanks, "Fargo"
Bill Murray, "Olive Kitteridge"
Jon Voight, "Ray Donovan"
Best Actor, TV Series Comedy
Louis C.K., "Louie"
Don Cheadle, "House of Lies"
Ricky Gervais, "Derek"
William H. Macy, "Shameless"
WINNER Jeffrey Tambor, "Transparent"
Best Foreign Language Film
"Force Majeure" (Sweden)
"Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem" (France)
"Ida" (Poland)
WINNER "Leviathan" (Russia)
"Tangerines" (Estonia)
Best Animated Feature film
"Big Hero 6"
"The Book of Life"
"The Boxtrolls"
"The Lego Movie"
WINNER "How to Train Your Dragon 2"
Best Actor in a TV series, drama
Clive Owen, "The Knick"
Liev Schreiber, :Ray Donovan"
WINNER Kevin Spacey, "House of Cards"
James Spader, "The Blacklist"
Dominic West, "The Affair"
Best Actor in a motion picture, musical or comedy
Ralph Fiennes, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
WINNER Michael Keaton, “Birdman”
Bill Murray, “St. Vincent”
Joaquin Phoenix, “Inherent Vice”
Christoph Waltz, "Big Eyes"
Best supporting Actor in a motion picture
Robert Duvall, “The Judge”
Ethan Hawke, “Boyhood”
Edward Norton, “Birdman”
Mark Ruffalo, “Foxcatcher”
WINNER J.K. Simmons, “Whiplash”
Best Actress in a motion picture, drama
Jennifer Aniston, “Cake”
Felicity Jones, “The Theory of Everything”
WINNER Julianne Moore, “Still Alice”
Rosamund Pike, “Gone Girl”
Reese Witherspoon, “Wild”
Best Actor in a mini-series or TV movie
Woody Harrelson, “True Detective”
Matthew McConaughey, “True Detective”
Mark Ruffalo, “The Normal Heart”
WINNER Billy Bob Thornton, “Fargo”
Best TV series, drama
WINNER "The Affair"
"Downton Abbey"
"Game of Thrones"
"The Good Wife"
"House of Cards"
Best supporting Actress in a motion picture
WINNER Patricia Arquette, “Boyhood”
Jessica Chastain, “A Most Violent Year”
Keira Knightley, “The Imitation Game”
Emma Stone, “Birdman”
Meryl Streep, “Into the Woods”
Best Actress in a motion picture, musical or comedy
WINNER Amy Adams, “Big Eyes”
Emily Blunt, “Into the Woods”
Helen Mirren, “The Hundred-Food Journey”
Julianne Moore, “Maps to the Stars”
Quevenzhane Wallis, “Annie”
Best motion picture, musical or comedy
“Birdman”
WINNER “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
“Into the Woods”
“Pride”
“St. Vincent”
Best Actress in a mini-series or TV movie
WINNER Maggie Gyllenhaal, “The Honorable Woman”
Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story: Freak Show”
Frances McDormand, “Olive Kitteridge”
Frances O’Connor, “The Missing”
Allison Tolman, “Fargo”
Best Actor in a motion picture, drama
Steve Carell, “Foxcatcher”
Benedict Cumberbatch, “The Imitation Game”
Jake Gyllenhaal, “Nightcrawler”
David Oyelowo, “Selma”
WINNER Eddie Redmayne, “The Theory of Everything”
Best Director – motion picture
Wes Anderson, “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Ava Duvernay, “Selma”
David Fincher, “Gone Girl”
Alejandro Gonzalez, “Birdman”
WINNER Richard Linklater, “Boyhood”
AND NOW THE FASHIONS!
LOOK WHO ELSE GOT ADDED TO PERFORM AT THE SUPER BOWL…THIS GUY LENNY KRAVITZ!
Pop star Katy Perry announced on Saturday, during NBC's Baltimore-New England telecast, that she has invited rocker Lenny Kravitz to join her for the Super Bowl halftime show at the Feb. 1 match up in Glendale, Arizona.
While rumors are floating that the pair will team up for Lenny's hit "American Woman", we're more concerned about Lenny's nips. Will he or won't he? The 50ish rocker has a hot bod (that he loves to display--check the above pic e posted last week) and we'd love to it all on stage.
Katy is set to discuss the pairing during an interview with NBC's Willie Geist, airing Monday morning on "Today".
HUH! Mike Huckabee Says Jay-Z Is Pimping Beyonce?
Mike Huckabee is a Republican former governor of Arkansas who tried to run for President in 2008 and took an L. Apparently, this also makes him an authority on Jay and Beyoncé relationship.
Repors Raw Story:
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) apparently believes singer Beyonce’s career is controlled by her husband, rapper Jay-Z, according to an excerpt from his latest book posted by U.S. News & World Report on Thursday.
“Beyonce is incredibly talented – gifted, in fact. She has an exceptional set of pipes and can actually sing,” Huckabee writes. “She is a terrific dancer – without the explicit moves best left for the privacy of her bedroom. Jay-Z is a very shrewd businessman, but I wonder: Does it occur to him that he is arguably crossing the line from husband to pimp by exploiting his wife as a sex object?”
We’ll let the Hip-Hop feminists comment on this struggle.
But we will point that Huckabee is the same guy who thinks Barack Obama grew up in Kenya.
“Game Of Thrones” Season Five Gets Release Date!
Now that the post-Holiday blues are setting in, HBO is offering some light at the end of the chilly winter tunnel. The premium cable network tweeted that “Game Of Thrones” will kick off its fifth season on April 12th, the same night as “Veep” and “Silicon Valley.”
Unfortunately, Hodor and Bran won’t be a part of the gig this time around, with actor Kristian Nairn telling press, “We have a season off. We have a year’s hiatus solely because, I imagine, our storyline is up to the end of the books.”
Thankfully, “Game of Thrones” has added a slew of new characters to the recipe so get ready for April 12th!
Kevin Hart Reveals Who His Best Man Will Be In His Upcoming Wedding To Eniko Parrish
Kevin Hart is gearing up for the release of his new movie, The Wedding Ringer (premiering Jan. 16th), and while rockin’ the red carpet at its L.A. premiere, the 35-year-old comedian revealed who will be his best man in his upcoming nuptials to Eniko Parrish.
He told Hip Hollywood that his 7-year-old son Hendrix will be by his side as his best man when he says “I Do.”
He also revealed to PEOPLE that his bride-to-be will be calling the shots in preparation for their big day. “You do what you want, here’s a budget, let me know when you’re done,” he said. “Just don’t go past this number. That’s it!”
Kevin proposed to his longtime boo late last year, during an intimate gathering with friends.
Toya Shuts Down Reality Show Rumors
Earlier this week rumors spread that Toya and MempHitz Wright were faking their marriage problems for their new reality show.
They're not… It's not you're fault if you believed the rumors were true because just as the reports reached critical mass MempHitz sarcastically admitted their ruse had been discovered and that everyone should tune in for their new reality show, "The Wright Thang," on VH1.
He was joking, people. But that didn't stop Toya's comment section from going ham and cheese forcing Lil Wayne's ex-wife to make a statement putting the reality show rumors to rest once and for all.
And their you have it!
Obviously Justin isn't really 'PACKING' In those Calvin's for his Calvin Klein campaign!
Calvin Klein released the official campaign starring Justin Bieber and model Lara Stone on Tuesday, confirming rumors that the singer was in fact posing for the label. The Beliebers weren’t exactly pleased with the entire ad, sending death threats to Stone for hugging and being within reach of their god. But here’s something else that may break their little hearts: BreathHeavy.com is reporting that CK photoshopped the images and gave Bieber bigger biceps, pecs, quads, and…uh… bulge.
Reports TMZ: The site acquired some of the unretouched photos and posted both the before and after on its Instagram account. By the looks of it, major work was done.
No Seriously? Nike HONORING Black History Month With A LIMITED Edition Collection Of 12 Black-And-White Palette Shoes
Nike is honoring Black History Month with a limited edition collection that includes 12 shoes, all featuring a black and white palette along with a line of apparel and accessory items for men and women. The items will be available Jan. 24 and are being served up by a few of your fave ballers. And the price tag isn't super cheap.
We're not sure if people will be fighting in line for these like they do any new pair of Jordans or LeBrons, but it's possible.
Here's a sneak peek:
The Jordan Brand Black History Month products have been floating around the net with interesting designs.
The Nike Kyrie 1, will sell for $130.
The Nike LeBron 12 in Black/Metallic Silver-White will retail for $220. View more of the show collection here!
So is this a cool way for Nike to honor black accomplishments, or NAH?
Fabulous Footwear for Him! Louis Vuitton Line Up Sneaker Boot!
This original two-in-one sneaker boot contrasts plain calf leather at the front with Louis Vuitton's iconic Monogram canvas at the back - a combination echoed in the two-tone rubber sole.
And now…the price: $740.
There’s a low cut too! And now…the price: $655.
I like!!! Do You!
New Music comng soon from Kanye West? Reportedly He Played New Music At Def Jam Offices
Yeezy season is more than approaching, it appears to be inching towards the goal line. According to Revolt TV, Kanye West stopped by Def Jam Records to play the label some new music.
Photogs snapped shots of the G.O.O.D. Music founder and his wife Kim Kardashian leaving the house that Russell and Rick built in New York City on Thursday (January 8).
The alleged listening session was the talk of the town in numerous threads on famed fansite Kanye To The. Those claims were reaffirmed by a Def Jam employee who tweeted “today was a very very very GOOD day at DEF JAM.”
The tweet has since been deleted, but there are plenty of retweets that kept the message alive for archival purposes.
In working closely with West while creating his Vibes album, Theophilus London had an opportunity to hear the material music fans are clamoring to get a piece of. Though, this news would soon be the center of controversy.
Fans will have to enjoy the heartfelt song “Only One,” featuring Sir Paul McCartney, until more news about West’s seventh studio album becomes available
Jay Z Signs Boxer Andre Ward To Roc Nation Sports
Hours after signing Olympic gold medalist boxer Andre Brown to Roc Nation Sports, Jay Z rounded up Rihanna and Andre and celebrated at his first boxing event, the 2015 Throne Boxing Fight Night in NYC promoted by the Roc Nation Sports Boxing Division.
Held in the Theater at MSG, the celebs watched welterweight Dusty Hernandez-Harrison protect his undefeated record in a victory over Tommy Rainone.
Rihanna & Jay chilled with Jake Gyllenhaal ringside.
Fabolous and his furs looking foolish performed in the ring.
And RiRi made sure her pout stayed perfect.
But back to Andre...this is a big get for Roc Sports. David Itskowitch, chief operating officer of Roc Nation Sports' boxing division, told ESPN.com,
"We have signed Andre Ward and it's something we're very excited about. It's just the beginning for us but it's a game-changer. He's one of the best fighters in the world. Everything is coming together for us. On the same day we are having our first event, at Madison Square Garden, we are announcing our first really huge signing."
Andre added, "I wholeheartedly believe in Roc Nation Sports and I just believe that they have the vision and the power and resources to carry their vision out."
For his part, Andre told ESPN that he hopes to be back in the ring in late March or April and will at super middleweight and defend his world title.
"I kept myself in shape and I've stayed motivated and hungry. But there's nothing concrete now. I want to get back in the groove and consistently fight and get back on track. I don't see what the rush is to push me to a higher weight class. I am not far off my fighting weight and I am super middleweight champion of the world and I want to defend my title."
Congrats to Andre and Roc Nation....
Nicki Minaj Ex Safaree’s New Girlfriend, Rihanna Lookalike Candice Brook
We know that’s one hell of a headline, but work with us. Nicki Mina’s struggle rapper ex-boyfriend Safaree Samuels recently stepped out with a model chick named Candice Brook, who just happens to look a lot like Rihanna, knowing damn well there would be cameras around.
Peep photos of Safaree’s replacement girl (probably not for real) Is she an upgrade from Nicki or nah?
Nicki Minaj reacted, via Instagram.
LOL!
Confirmed! Jennifer Hudson IS Coming to Broadway in The Color Purple, But Not as Celie
Jennifer Hudson is indeed coming to Broadway this year! As previously speculated, the Oscar and Grammy winner will make her Great White Way debut in the John Doyle-helmed revival of The Color Purple; however, instead of playing Celie, as The New York Post mistakenly reported, Hudson will take on the role of Shug Avery.
Although further casting has yet to be announced, Broadway.com has learned that the show’s producers, including Oprah Winfrey and Scott Sanders, are in talks with Cynthia Erivo, who played the role of Celie in the 2013 staging at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory, to reprise her performance across the pond.
Hudson won an Oscar for Dreamgirls. Her additional film and TV credits include American Idol, Sex and the City, The Secret Life of Bees, Winnie Mandela, The Three Stooges, Smash and Black Nativity. She won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for 2008's Jennifer Hudson.
The Color Purple features a book by Marsha Norman, lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray and music by Russell and Willis. Based on the novel by Alice Walker, the musical tells the story of Celie, a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discovers her voice in the world. Doyle’s stripped-down production opened in London on July 15, 2013. The new staging cuts approximately 30 minutes of material from the original incarnation.
AND FINALLY FROM THE 'CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘THE ARIZONA COYOTE’
Proof that whether it’s heads or tails you can still lose.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM
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